Three Potential Destinations For Edmonton Oilers Goalie
The only way general manager (GM) Ken Holland may be able to improve his goaltending situation heading into next season is by figuring out a way to move Jack Campbell.
His salary cap hit is set at $5 million per year through the 2026-27 season. For a team like the Oilers who are cap strapped, retaining Campbell is a burden.
There could be three NHL teams with lots of cap space who may be able to assist the Edmonton club with that.
Coming off of a rather poor season in which he posted a 3.41 goals-against average (GAA) along with a .888 save percentage, he is a premium trade candidate.
Arizona Coyotes
It's no secret that the fledgling Coyotes have the cap space ($27M) to pay Campbell. Where it becomes interesting is that they flirted with the idea of trading their starter Karel Vejmelka. He makes a reasonable $2.725 million, and that can help the Oilers decrease their salary cap issues.
"Veggie" carried a18-24-6 record for the 2022-23 campaign. His 3.43 GAA, and .899 SV% aren't great, but he played for a team who allowed 3.60 goals per game ranking them 24th in the NHL.
It's not certain that the Yotes would want a goalie who is 31 years old, but it would help them get to the cap basement salary wise and Campbell would be getting a fresh start in the desert.
San Jose Sharks
There are rumours that the Sharks may entertain shopping star defenceman Erik Karlsson and that will give them additional cap space to work a deal for Campbell.
The San Jose club is in the early process of a rebuild, and need a goalie to replace James Reimer who is set to be a free agent.
While the Sharks have free agents to re-sign with five RFA's and three UFA's, they will not be breaking the bank to do it.
This could be another location which gives Campbell a fresh start. He could help them regain some dignity in the NHL standings.
Anaheim Ducks
Even with young studs to be signed in Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras to sign this summer, the Ducks will have room to do some additions to the lineup.
Then, with the possibility of moving goalie John Gibson, they will need a replacement netminder. Enter Jack Campbell.
The best senario would be to see about moving Gibson before deciding on adding Campbell.
It seems this may be the year of the goalie, in trades and free agency. Connor Hellebuyck, Tristan Jarry, Carter Hart, and Juuse Saros may all be on the market.
Now, Jack Campbell may join that elite group of puck stoppers.
It certainly would relieve any headaches Holland may have this summer and increase the Oilers shot at a Cup... finally!
| POLL | ||
Where will Jack Campbell end up? | ||
| Arizona for sure | 84 | 14.3 % |
| Anaheim seems to make sense | 62 | 10.6 % |
| Sharks want him! | 93 | 15.8 % |
| Remaining an Oiler | 348 | 59.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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